Amman, Oct. 30 (Petra) – The World Health Organization’s Council of Champions for Ending Violence Against Children has selected Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, as a member representing the Middle East region.

According to a statement issued by the ministry on Thursday, Bani Mustafa was chosen as part of an exclusive team of ministers appointed through a selective process.

The council brings together a limited number of high-level leaders committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which seeks to end all forms of violence against children through political leadership and strategic cooperation.

The selection recognizes Jordan’s pioneering national and regional efforts to address child protection issues and aligns with the Kingdom’s national programs and strategies aimed at combating violence against children.

Jordan’s participation in the council is expected to further highlight its active role in eliminating child abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children, reaffirming the country’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.

The WHO Council of Champions for Ending Violence Against Children is one of the leading global initiatives promoting the prioritization and prevention of child violence.

Statistics show that half of the world’s children experience some form of violence each year, with long-term impacts that extend across generations and undermine investments in health, education, and social stability.

The council includes senior representatives from several countries and will be officially launched in November, coinciding with the first anniversary of the inaugural Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

//Petra// NQ